I will say that I had higher hopes for this SD, though (we've discussed this already). It's interesting that Marina so nailed the SD for D/W and struggled to find the right fit for V/M and the Shibs, both who have conceptual short dances that might have been better suited to free dances. V/M made the right choice to simplify the emotional tenor (it was a mysterious, ethereal piece before) of the program and fit it more closely to the standard polka theme (it's very playful now); I don't think the Shibs really explored making a choice. But I love how expressive Maia is with her arms and body, and Alex is right up there with her. I really do hope they aren't dumped like everyone seems to want them to be, but the breadth of American ice dance right now is phenomenal.

Absolutely. Definitely the bright spot of U.S. Figure Skating.

I think the Shibutanis have not been 100 percent for quite a while, which has made it a challenge to get a lot of mileage out of these programs. If I was going to guess, I'd say they are at about 80 percent. I don't think it's because they don't want to train -- their work ethic is well-known -- but rather they have been able to unable to train the programs at the intensity that they would like.

To their credit they have not made any excuses. In fact, they didn't reveal Alex's injury at the end of the season until Champs Camp (and I feel it was a response to a question, not something they had disclosed voluntarily). I get the sense they're just doing the best they can through whatever struggles they are dealing with. I guess that's why I'm a fan, they seem willing to just work it out even if they're not always successful.

Of course Flattfan is right that sometimes you can work as hard as you can and you still won't get results, but I seriously hope that this is not a case of that, especially given their strong basics.

I will say that I had higher hopes for this SD, though (we've discussed this already). It's interesting that Marina so nailed the SD for D/W and struggled to find the right fit for V/M and the Shibs, both who have conceptual short dances that might have been better suited to free dances. V/M made the right choice to simplify the emotional tenor (it was a mysterious, ethereal piece before) of the program and fit it more closely to the standard polka theme (it's very playful now); I don't think the Shibs really explored making a choice. But I love how expressive Maia is with her arms and body, and Alex is right up there with her. I really do hope they aren't dumped like everyone seems to want them to be, but the breadth of American ice dance right now is phenomenal.

I do not agree with the fact that the Shibutani's are dumped. Not at all. Those who say that think in the POV of the old system, pre-COP, when if a team awas passed, it was for good. That is not the case anymore.
The Shibs jumped litelly on the scene with some great programs and skills to boot.
Last year, their style didn't fit very well with the SD requirements (sorry, but they are not as great in latin as they were in classic ballroom and also marina picked a predictable music for their LP).
Also P/B made sure they do not make the same mistake twice, as they did in Moscow, where they actually facilitated the Shib's bronze.
And also is another thing happening, new teams with great potential like C/B and H/D, who's progress was faster in catching up with the Shibs, as it is normal for new teams.
Marina again this year, gave them an odd SD music, which I think does not do them any favor (if I would sit on the panel for example, i would definitely marke them down for the lack of originality). I am lately underwhelmed by Marina to be honest.
All the other teams which went by the Shibs made coaching changes. Perhaps that is what they need to do as well.